Collapsible bath tub



Sept. 30, 1969 B. E. HYDE COLLAPSIBLE BATH TUB 3 Sheets-Sheet 1 Filed Oct. 13, 1967 INVENTOR Burt 'E. Hyde 4 ATTORNEY Sept. 30, 1969 B. EQHYDE COLLAPSIBLE BATH TUB 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 13, 1967 UINVENTQR Burt E. H yde Z 15% ATTORNEY Sept. 30, 1969 B. E. HYDE 3,469,266

' COLLAPSIBLE BATH TUB Filed Oct. 1;, 1967 v 3 Sheets-Sheet INVENTOR Burt E. Hyde zifzm/ ATTORNEY United States Patent 3,469,266 COLLAPSIBLE BATH TUB Burt E. Hyde, 800 N. Industrial Blvd., Euless, Tex. 76039 Filed Oct. 13, 1967,'Ser. No. 675,096 Int. Cl. A47k 3/06 US. Cl. 4-177 3 Claims ABSTRACT OF THE DISCLOSURE The invention comprises a fluid-tight container formed of polyethylene, or other suitable material, which may be transparent or opaque as desired, being pliable so that it may be collapsed and folded. The container is rectangular in form, having a bottom, side and end walls, and having proper dimensions to accommodate a patient lying in a prone position therein, and having an opening in one end wall through which the patients head is extended. The pliable walls are supported vertically by cords or cables attached to each corner of the container and suspended from an overhead support, such as an adjustable frame which may be attached to a bed.

This invention relates to collapsible bath tubs for bathing invalid or bed-patients in hospitals and clinical establishments, and it has particular reference to a tub or container formed of a pliable plastic material capable of retaining water for bathing bed-ridden patients and adapted to be collapsed and folded into a compact package for storage and portability.

The end wall opposite that through which the patients head is extended has a flexible tube connected thereto through which the container is filled and emptied. A plurality of ports are provided in each side wall, each having a flexible glove-like sleeve attached thereto and extending inwardly of the container, into which the attendants hands and arms are extended to perform the bathing operations.

OBJECTS AND PURPOSES An object of the invention is that of providing apparatus whereby persons confined to bed through illness can be bathed with a minimum of discomfort and inconvenience, and without imposing an undue burden upon the attendant. Due to its pliability the container can be collapsed and easily arranged beneath the patient with little efiort and the walls raised about him.

A further object of the invention resides in the provision of a fluid-tight container which, due to its flexibility and light construction, can be used to a substantial advantage in hospitals and clinics where personnel problems exist in the proper care of patients, and where a relatively large number of patients require constant attention.

It is an object of the invention to provide a simple and economical device by which the patient can receive his periodic bath without the necessity of transferring him from bed to tub and back to bed with accompanying discomfort to the patient and physical strain on the attendant.

Broadly, the invention contemplates the provision of apparatus enabling the patient to receive maximum care and attention as to his hygienic needs with a minimum of expended effort and time on the part of the attending personnel.

DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS While the foregoing objects are paramount, other and lesser objects will become apparent as the description proceeds when considered in connection with the appended drawings wherein:

3,469,266 Patented Sept. 30, 1969 FIGURE 1 is a perspective illustration showing the invention in its normal arrangement for use in combination with a bed, showing the suspension devices, the filler and drain tube, and showing a plurality of access ports and sleeves.

FIGURE 2 is a plan view of the invention showing the adjustable support therefore, and showing the outline of a patient enclosed therein, in broken lines.

FIGURE 3 is a fragmentary view of one end of the container embodying the invention and the filler and outlet tube connected thereto, and showing the cap for the inlet-outlet fitting and hot and cold water valves.

FIGURE 4 is a fragmentary view of one side wall of the container and one of the glove-like sleeves extending thereinto.

FIGURE 5 is a fragmentary view of the end wall and the opening through which the patients head is arranged while occupying the container, the occupant being shown in broken lines.

FIGURE 6 is a fragmentary perspective view of one corner of the container showing a reinforcing strip and an eyelet for attaching a supporting cable or cord, and

FIGURE 7 is a perspective illustration of the invention in a collapsed condition, having been placed on the bed beneath the patient and arranged to be raised to the position shown in FIGURE 1.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION In its preferred form the invention comprises a rectangular container 10 formed of sheet plastic material, such as polyethylene, which is pliable yet having sufiicient tensility to retain a substantial quantity of water. The container 10 has side walls 11 and 12, and end walls 13 and 14 which may be formed with or made integral with the bottom 15. An opening 16 is formed in the end wall 14 and has a flexible flange element 17 attached thereto through which the head 18 of the patient, shown in broken lines in FIGURES 2 and 5, can be projected, an elastic band 19 being provided to embrace the neck 20 and prevent water from escaping from the container 10.

Arranged in the opposite end wall 13, and near the bottom 15, is a fitting 20 having threaded portions 21 and 22 thereon, projecting internally and externally of the wall 13, respectively, providing means for attaching a flexible water supply tube 23 to the external threaded member 21 and a cap 24 to the internal portion 22 when the container 10 is filled. A Y coupling 25 is provided for attachment to hot and cold water taps (not shown) and'has valves 26 in each branch, as shown in FIG- URE 3.

The side walls 11 and 12 have reinforcing strips 27 along their upper edges and eyelets 28 are provided at each end of each side wall through which are arranged cords or cables 29 for supporting the walls in vertical positions, as shown in FIGURES l and 7, the upper ends of which are looped about supporting members 30 and 31 which are arranged transversely of and slidably secured to a longitudinally extensible bar 32 arranged above and longitudinally of the bed 33, as shown in FIGURES 1, 2 and 7. The bar 32 is supported by or integral with vertically arranged members 34 and 35 adjustably attached at each end of the bed 33. Other means for supporting the walls 13 and 14 may be provided, such as suspension means attached to the ceiling, or other overhead device.

The longitudinal bar 32 is preferably formed in two sections joined intermediate its ends by a sleeve 36 having set screws 37 at each end to secure the sections in adjusted positions. The cross-members 30 and 31 have transverse sleeves 38 intermediate their ends which slidably embrace the bar 32 whereby these members can be adjusted longitudinally of the bar 32, and with respect to each other and secured by set screws 39, to accommodate containers of different lengths. This arrangement is illustrated in FIGURES 1, 2 and 7. The vertical members 34 and 35 are secured to the bed frame by U-bolts 40 arranged through slots 41 and having wing nuts 42 thereon.

In each side wall 11 and 12 at least two ports 43 are provided, each having a sleeve 44 connected thereto and extending inwardly of the container 10, and being formed of pliable plastic material. These elements are formed with glove portions 45 on their inner ends into which the attendant can insert his hands for free manipulation in performing the bathing operation, in the manner shown in FIGURES 2 and 4. Each port 43 has a reinforcing ring 46 therearound.

OPERATION In operation, the container 10, in collapsed condition, is placed beneath the patient on the bed 33 and the side and end walls are extended. The procedure is illustrated in FIGURE 7. The cords or cables 29, being permanently secured to the side walls 11 and 12, and having adjustable loops 47 on their outer ends, are slipped over the ends of the cross-members 30 and 31 and adjusted to raise the side and end walls of the container to their maximum height whereupon the latch device 48 on each cord or cable 29 is secured.

The container is then filled to the desired level through the filler tube 23, regulating the flow and temperature of the water through the valves 26. If it is desired to detach the tube 23 while bathing the patient the cap 24 can be threaded on the portion 22 of the fitting interiorly of the container 10, as shown in broken lines in FIGURE 3. Upon removing the cap 24 the water can be drained from the container 10 through the tube 23 by disconnecting the same from the Y member at the coupling 49.

The invention, although described in substantial detail, is capable of certain changes in structure and design, by persons skilled in the art, without departing from the spirit and intent thereof or from the scope of the appended claims.

What is claimed is:

1. A collapsible bath tub usable by invalid patients lying in a prone position on a bed in an infirmary, having a supporting frame extending thereabove, the combination comprising, a water-tight container formed of a pliable plastic material, substantially rectangular in shape when in use, and having substantially rectangular bottom, sides, end walls, and open top, a fitting in one end wall near the bottom of said container connecting a water conduit utilized in filling and emptying said container, the opposite end having an opening therein for the extension of the head of a patient therethrough and a flexible flange element in said opening embracing the neck of said patient and an elastic band on said flange element constricting the same about the neck of the patient and providing a water-tight seal 'thereabout, each of the side walls having a plurality of ports formed therein, each of said ports having a sleeve including a glove portion attached thereto and extending inwardly into said .tub enabling manipulation of the patient in said tub, and adjustable suspension means supporting the walls of said tub in operative position on the supporting frame extending above said bed.

2. In a collapsible bath tub as described in claim 1, the said suspension means comprising a frame adjustably secured to said bed and extending thereabove, and a plurality of cables secured at one end to each corner of said container and having their opposite ends attached to portions of said frame above said bed.

3. In a collapsible bath tub as described in claim 1, said sleeves being formed of pliable water-proof material.

References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 568,811 10/1896 Stoll 4177 754,217 3/1904 Herz 4177 869,890 11/1907 Faupel 4177 1,066,121 7/1913 King 4177 1,451,437 4/ 1923 Bernier 4177 1,740,624 12/ 1929 Peel 128369 2,763,873 9/ 1956 Saunders 4-177 2,817,340 12/ 1957 Cuvier 128--373 3,051,164 8/1962 Trexler 1281 3,246,346 4/1966 Schmidt 4177 3,265,059 8/ 1966 Matthews 128-1 3,295,252 I/ 1967 Willette 128l FOREIGN PATENTS 8,205 5/ 1902 Great Britain. 144,772 7/ 1901 Germany.

SAMUEL ROTHBERG, Primary Examiner D. MASSENBERG, Assistant Examiner 

